Perfect Moment Monday

How do you make a brutal work week melt away? Spend an evening on Missy & My Kiwi's patio up in the mountains. Enjoy a glass of wine, eat a wonderful meal and laugh until your sides hurt. Hummingbirds zooming by? A bonus!

So very grateful to the men and women that serve (past and present) in the armed services so we can have Perfect Moments and enjoy our daily freedoms. A heartfelt and humble thank you!

I Capture
Perfect Moments.

My BirthMom Search & Other Disasters..

Are visions of Judy Blume dancing in your head? Okay, maybe not for you young whipper snappers but it was semi-clever to us older folk.. trust me..

So, about a month ago I bit the bullet and hired an investigator to try to track down my birth mother. The company specializes in my particular state of birth and came highly recommended. The search has been on (and off) going for the past decade with all "Search Angels" (the Internet friends that work for free) finally telling me my birth name is so common, it was just beyond their capabilities.

Drat!

The company I contracted with actually sought me out last summer. Although by far the best deal yet (believe you me, I've checked and it's crazy pricey) I told them money was tight and to get back with me after the New Year. They did. I then said to check with me after tax time. They did. I finally justified shelling out the moolah and on the day I signed and faxed the contract I got a call.. telling me an investigator would be assigned to me soon and the ball would start to roll.. IN THREE WEEKS.

GAH.. Double Drat!!

In the meantime, in true Mel-Style, I attempted to stifle the grandiose daydreams of reunion, trying not to let my hopes get too high. Uh huh.. as if. I'm sorry but how could I not get a bit excited over the fact that maybe (just maybe) this could be it and I may finally get to meet her. Or send her a (long winded) letter (pouring my heart out). Or heck, just get a name for crying out loud. SOMETHING. My birthday is in June and I went so far as to thinking how cool it would be to dedicate an Adoption Angles show to the amazing progress our search had made. Or better yet, announce my birth mother had been found!! That's right people, I was officially living on Fantasy Island sans Mr. Roarke and Tattoo.

Insert popped bubble.

My investigator emailed right when they said she would and started off with, "You have a very common birth name and this could be a very difficult search..."

Dagnabbit.. not you, too!

She recently discovered there are two key questions that were not addressed in my non-id info and asked that I call the county and inquire. I quickly phoned and spoke with a lovely lady at Post Adoption Services. She agreed, the questions my investigator had were very good and should've been answered in my original non-id info letter. She took my contact information, advised me they were rather "back logged" and said someone would be back on touch with me ...

...IN THREE MONTHS...

NO lie.

Our search is currently on hold until we get the answers we need (and definitely no big, celebratory birthday show is in the works). As a matter of fact, I still haven't made an effort to fill that guest spot and may just take that night off. I'll surely be a buzz kill (arms crossed, pouting)...

Patience.. so not my forte..

Wazzup Tonight On MomTV's Adoption Angles!?

Tonight we have the beautiful and brilliant Tracy Hahn-Burkett!

She is a writer who often focuses on adoption and other topics inspired by her transracial, multicultural, interfaith, formed-by-adoption-and-biology family. A former Washington D.C.-based public-policy advocate, Tracy traded suits for blue jeans and fleece when she moved to New Hampshire, where she lives now with her husband and two children. She blogs at UnchartedParent.com, has published more than two dozen essays, articles and reviews and she’s working on her first novel—when her kids let her.

Okay, I'm pretty much feeling like a slacker..

Our most excellent topic tonight? International adoption, blended biological and adoptive families.... I can't wait!!

Where can you find Tracy?
At her site: UnchartedParent.com
Via email: THahnBurkett@UnchartedParent.com
And Twitter: @THahnBurkett

A big THANK YOU to My Little Pony (check out their Facebook Page and make to sure to follow them on Twitter @mylittlepony!) for sponsoring the show!! We will be giving away a darling little pony to a lucky winner tonight!!


To win we have to know you're there.. How do you log in??? Piece of cake..

CLICK HERE ~~~>

It's super dooper easy to join the live text chat fun... just click on: "Click Here To Enter Chat" and either use your member log in OR type in a chat name and VIOLA.. you're in like FLYNN! We loooove your questions and comments!

SEE YOU TONIGHT!!

Sponsored By:

Perfect Moment Monday

It's past Mother's Day and you know what that means here in CO?

It's (probably) safe to go..

FLOWER SHOPPING!

A time of new beginnings...

The beautiful, sweet aroma of Spring... it's truly therapeutic, especially now..

Perfect

I Capture
Perfect Moments.

Wish Dashing..

Whups.. I meant DISH WASHING.. I'm loving my springtime view..



:o)

I Stalk Blogging Rock Stars!!

Our dear friend Lori from Weebles Wobblog (@LavLuz on Twitter) has been published in the latest issue of Adoptive Families Magazine!! CONGRATS, dear friend!! BTW, I ordered my hard copy today and will get your autograph at our next meet up!!

~~>CLICK HERE<~~ to read the story of reuniting with Tessa's Birth father (and make sure to leave some comment love!!).

Go on now.. SHOO!!

Joyful Grieving?

Is it possible to be utterly heartbroken and joyful all at the same time?

Why yes.. yes it is.

We have received more emails (and even photos) from JuneBug's family since they arrived home. I am over-the-top happy to report she continues to do really well. Not a single hitch in her little giddy up. There will surely be bumps along the way but for now, all is well.

Grin.

This has been the perfect placement. Every step along the way in this case was as it should've been.. from her receiving home, to us and now home for good.

We pray.

That all being said, the house is still sadly quiet and even Bug's best buddy (Cassie-the doberman) wanders around looking for his little girl. We miss her dearly and yes, I still cry at the drop of a hat. All it takes is something as simple as finding a little sock in my robe pocket and the tears come. Joyful grieving at it's finest.

And we wouldn't have it any other way.

Up Tonight On MomTV's Adoption Angles..

It's our dear friend Debbie Schwartz, that's who! She is one of our wonderful regulars that chat it up.. and now you get to meet her live and in person.. how is that??!

Debbie is the Program Coordinator at Adoption Connection at Jewish Family Services of Greenwich, where she oversees pre- and post-adoption education.

She is also the founder and director of Forever Families Weekend for Jewish families touched by adoption which will run June 11-13 at Camp Nah-Jee-Wah in Milford, Pennsylvania. For the last twelve years Debbie has also been the leader of a monthly adoption support group for pre- and post-adopt families. She and her husband are parents by adoption to two children.

You know all the shout outs I've been doing lately about Camp for Jewish Families of adoption?? This is it!!

We are going to touch on some very interesting stuff, so make sure to join us tonight, LIVE at 9PM EST (that's 6PM for all you Pals on the Pacific).

BUT WAIT!! THERE'S MOOOORREEE...

I'll be giving away a $20 gift card to Puma Kids!! One lucky viewer will be randomly chosen at the end of our broadcast so please make sure you let us know you're there!!

How do you log in??? Piece of cake..

CLICK HERE ~~~>

It's super dooper easy to join the live text chat fun... just click on: "Click Here To Enter Chat" and either use your member log in OR type in a chat name and VIOLA.. you're in like FLYNN! We loooove your questions and comments!

SEE YOU TONIGHT!!

Sons Of The Fallen

TONIGHT!

Perfect Moment Monday

There is no picture for my PMM this week.. it's just a moment in time. It occured last night when we got an email from JuneBug's family letting us know they were home safe and sound. Not a tear had been shed and once again, she was a little trooper. Mission accomplished.

Perfect.

I Capture
Perfect Moments.

Goodbye Sweet Princess...

Seeing JuneBug with her family last night and again this morning has truly brought us all comfort. They are phenomenal and there is no doubt she will flourish in their loving home. The sky is the limit for our little pixie.

As ya'll can imagine, saying goodbye wasn't easy but there were tears of joy mixed in with the sad ones. Her family is so grateful and we are confident they will stay in touch. We know we were just a little part of God's big plan for JuneBug and consider it an honor being her bridge from what was to what is meant to be.

And now the house is quiet. Really quiet. Today I will do nothing more than watch chick flicks, stay in my comfies and enjoy a glass (or two) of chilled Pinot Gris later this afternoon. I was hoping to be motivated to get something accomplished but the reality is that's just not happening. I am absolutely spent .. mentally, physically, emotionally.

The tank is empty.

Tomorrow a little piece of my heart will board a plane. Up up up in the clouds and away. I will forever miss her sassy attitude, hysterical sense of humor and, most of all, being her Mommy Lady. What a privilege.

Goodbye sweet darling.. Mommy Wissa, Daddy and Nana will love you always.

Reflections...

I will never forget the day we met and clearly remember the very moment I first laid eyes on you. Cute as a button, not so sure about Nana (Nantie) and me and hanging close to Rosie (your first Foster Mommy). But you felt safe and warmed up quickly..

My heart melted.

In no time at all you became the Princess that reigns over all.. (even Cassie)..

No, it has not been an easy journey and we had our fair share of bumps in the road. Okay, pretty big pot holes .. but that is to be expected. My hope of hopes is your little soul will remember the good times and know we did our very best by you.

I don't know what I'll miss the most but hanging in our jammies on Saturday mornings will be one, for sure. I loved having my baby girl right by my side and not being rushed (okay, the sippy cup getting slammed on my keyboard and ruining my "r" .. not so much.. but everything else for sure-LOL).


You will spend time with your family today and tonight will be our last night together. Your newest journey begins (plane trip and all) but this time you're going home. For good. We know you will be cherished, safe, healthy and happy. Honestly, knowing how bright your future will be is what's getting me through this. I pray the Good Lord watches over you and your family and peace comes to your heart soon.

Ours, too.

Margot Starbuck Rocked Adoption Angles!

As Daddy used to say, "The proof is in the puddin'.." Check it out for yourself!



Margot, thank you so much for sharing your journey with us. You are awesome!!!

Up Tonight On MomTV's Adoption Angles..

Sorry for the late post.. I would like to thank Qwest for my Internet being down until 11:30PM last night.

*cough*

My wonderful guest tonight is the lovely, talented and downright funny adoptee, author and speaker Margot Starbuck!

From her website: Margot (rhymes with Fargo) is a freelance writer and speaker. She is the author of a spiritual memoir, The Girl In The Orange Dress: Searching for a Father Who Does Not Fail. (InterVarsity Press, 2009)
and Unsqueezed: Springing Free From Skinny Jeans, Nose Jobs, Highlights and Stilettos. (InterVarsity Press, 2010).

Margo will be sharing her adoption journey and search.. it's a very cool story. I've read Orange Dress.. it rocks.

CLICK HERE ~~~>

It's super dooper easy to join the live text chat fun... just click on: "Click Here To Enter Chat" and either use your member log in OR type in a chat name and VIOLA.. you're in like FLYNN! We loooove your questions and comments!

Did I mention we'll be giving away TWO autographed copies of Orange Dress?? How cool is THAT??!

So, write yourself a sticky note and pop it on your forehead. 9PM EST tonight.. be there!

Two Words...

Buh-Bye..

Castoff

WHUPS...

I mean.. CAST OFF.. TODAY!! 2PM MST... It has been a month since her surgery and if JuneBug's foot has healed properly, she'll be struttin' her stuff in a smaller walking cast this very afternoon!

Holding Breath. Send us some of that positive juju and say them prayers with me, ya'll!!!

Stay tuned..

Perfect Moment Monday

Mother's Day = Family, Great Food & Fun..



Our last Sunday with our darling JuneBug was Perfect.

I Capture
Perfect Moments.

Happy Mother's Day!!

I swore to myself I would not be a downer today. Yes, it's completely bittersweet but I'm not dropping any guilt trips or why me's, posting a novella about missing Mama or whining about my feelings of insignificance.

I'm just not going there.

I would like to wish a Happy Mother's Day to all you wonderful Mommy Ladies. You are a bio mom, step mom, foster mom, caregiver, kinship care provider, adoptive mom.. If you have bags under your eyes and can't remember the last time you had a full nights sleep, you are a card carrying club member. Thank you all for embracing me as an equal.

I wish all you lovely ladies an amazing, relaxing, hug-filled day!

Today...

I am working on JuneBug's Goodbye Book. I lost a boat load of pictures when the hard drive on my laptop crashed, but I still have some. Yes, I lost all the pictures of the twins (we're talking hundreds) that I hadn't saved to my Kodak Gallery account, as well. Don't even start on me about backing up.. I got the lecture already (and was none too happy about it, I might add).

Are ya'll feeling my cranky vibes?

Today Bug and I are headed to the store to stock up for our Mother's Day brunch. Gramsie and Nantie's beautiful delights have arrived, we'll get cards and meander the aisles. And drive slowly. No rushing now. If she wants to stop and look at something, by golly, we'll stop. By this time next week she'll be gone. It almost hurts to breathe when I think about it.

So I won't..

Hopefully some sunshine and fresh air will help clear away some of my blue funk. For now we smile to mask the grief and turn away when the tears come. Laughter fills the house but it blankets deep sadness. We are chatting-up the family coming soon to see her, fun plane rides and how much they love her. My head totally gets the move.. these types of placements are what the county strives for.

It's my heart that needs convincing. Real quick like.

Breathe

This week has been a blur and now with the micro-transition in place for next week, the grieving has officially begun. Spending as much time with JuneBug as humanly possible is top priority (all the while attempting not to burst into tears). I can say without hesitation, this is the hardest part of the process.

Hands Down..

Will write more tomorrow during her nap.

MomTV's 2nd Annual National Mom's Nite Out ..

IS TONIGHT!!! BE THERE!!

Mandatory Margarita Night On MomTV's Adoption Angles!!

You know, because it's Cinco de Mayo.. ya, that's it!

Before I go any further, Gramsie and Nantie-skip this post, please. Don't ask. Just move along now.. Gracias..

Our special guest tonight is the lovely Suzanne Smith from Love Without Boundaries.

A mommy of four (her youngest, now 5, was adopted from China through the Special Needs program), is the Associate Director of Communications for LWB and passionate about getting the word out about her amazing organization.

What does LWB do? From their web site:
"LWB began in the year 2003, after a group of adoptive parents came together to help save the life of one tiny boy in China. Following his successful heart surgery, they realized that people with a pure love for helping children can truly make a difference. LWB incorporated as a 501(c)(3) charity in the state of Oklahoma, and our worldwide team of volunteers went to work. We have watched our foundation grow from providing a handful of surgeries and baby formula in 2003 to touching the lives of thousands of children today through our many program areas. LWB holds Charity Navigator's highest 4 star rating and has an administrative overhead of less than 8%."

Tonight is going to be a totally rockin' show. In addition to Suzanne sharing her journey and the inspiring mission of LWB, we're going to be honoring all the Mommy Ladies that read my blog and watch our show. At the end of the evening we'll be announcing the winners from the SAWWEET MOTHER'S DAY GIVEAWAY (go on over, there's still time to enter) for FOUR delectable delights like these from Gesine Confectionary:

AND

Suzanne will be giving away 4 copies of "Love's Journey 2". A beautiful hardback full-color book featuring families with children adopted from China sharing their stories:


HOW COOL IS THAT??!!

Want to join the fun but not quite sure how?? Right around 9PM EST tonight
CLICK HERE ~~~>

Once you're there just click on: "Click Here To Enter Chat" and either use your member log in OR type in a chat name and VIOLA.. you're in like FLYNN! We loooove your questions and comments (and you can't be randomly chosen for prizes if we don't know who you are, right?!).

So go on and grab your marg, cervesa or other fav bevvie and join us LIVE tonight at 9PM EST ~ 7PM MST ~ 6PM for the West Coasties!! See you there!

PSSSTT!! Hey Mommy Ladies..

Got a sweet tooth?? Give in to the craving...



Winners will be announced on tomorrow night's show!!

Please Prepare For Takeoff...

... because JuneBug's next big adventure is about to begin..

We got word JuneBug's bio family are offically approved. Her cast gets removed next week and they will arrive by week's end. Me and our RFT are holding firm that even a mini-transition is better than none at all.

And so it begins..

Again..

Please put your tray tables in their full and upright position...

Perfect Moment Monday

Perfectly Safe..


From intruders? Um, no.. But wascilly wabbits!?! YES!

I Capture
Perfect Moments.

PS.. and don't forget Mommy Ladies.. only TWO DAYS LEFT to enter to win!!

Full Circle & Adoption Angles Mother's Day Giveaways!

<a href="http://www.ourfullcircle.com/2010/05/full-circle-adoption-angles-mothers-day.html" target="”_blank”"><img src="http://i736.photobucket.com/albums/xx2/myfullcircle/Mothers%20Day%20Giveaway/saweetgiveaway-1-1-2.png" alt="CCI" /></a>

Mother's Day is next Sunday and we're going to celebrate Motherhood with some sweet sweet treats and a beautiful book! This giveaway is for all you ladies that have been up in the middle of the night rocking children, can MacGyver a decent meal out of hamburger meat and random pantry findings, can't seem to shake the smell of Desitin, can kiss an owie away, has bags under her eyes and can't remember the last time she shaved her legs. This is also for all the women that anxiously await to be that Mommy. You are a birth mom, foster mom, step mom, adoptive mom, waiting to be an adoptive mom, a mentor, caregiver or that awesome neighbor that watches over everyone else's brood.

Bottom Line? This giveaway is for any woman that has made a positive difference in a child's life or is waiting for "the call" to do so. And will.

SO, here's the low down..

Surf on over to Gesine Confectionary and peruse her lovely creations. Come on back to this post and leave a comment letting me know which one you would love to win and savor. That comment right thar is an entry. Blog about it (grab the code up yonder if you like), leave a link in your comment.. Blam-O.. another entry! Tell your Facebook friends about it, leave a comment, follow me on Twitter (@fullcircle_mel) and tweet about the giveaway and.. well, you guessed it. BADABING!! FYI, you get double entry points if your comment (blog post/Facebook/Tweet) cracks me up.

SO EASY!

**A WARNING: You will LOSE points if you make any mention of my recent buffoonery**

I will randomly choose 2 winners from this post and annouce them at the end of Wednesday night's (May 5th) segment of Adoption Angles. I will also choose 2 winners viewing the live show, as well. PLUS the lovely Suzanne Smith from Love Without Bounderies (our awesome guest) will be giving away 4 copies of Love's Journey 2 (a collection of inspiring adoption stories), as well!!

That's 8 awesome prizes, my friends!!

If you've been around here for any length of time, you are well aware of the impact my Mama had on me (and that I miss her dearly). If you are lucky enough to still have your Mom around (or Mom-like influence) I implore you to please do something special for her next Sunday. We just don't get to keep them nearly long enough.

Thank you all for being my supportive, amazing peeps ... and LET THE GAMES BEGIN!

Today's Answered Prayers

This day can be described in one word: phenomenal. Miss JuneBug went to sleep on time last night (zero fight) and didn't wake up until morning. No crying (or screaming) .. not even ONCE. Massive melt downs today? ZILCH! She has been her sweet, darling self and we're relieved (and grateful).

KEEP THE PRAYERS AND GOOD THOUGHTS COMING.. PLEASE!

:o)

Tomorrow I Announce My Giveaway ~ Today I Explain Myself...

I feel the need to explain myself before tomorrow's giveaway announcement but two things first:

1) For Gramsie and Nantie: This is a Mother's Day gift spoiler alert. Please skip this post completely. Go on now..

Shoo!

For my wonderful readers: This is going to be the longest winded post to date so please feel free to skip it and check back tomorrow. Ya'll have been warned..

'Splaination: A few weeks back I had a few extra minutes and was blog roll hopping. I came across Confections Of A (Closet) Master Baker, did a double take and laughed out loud. I surfed over and found a darling little blog with some great writing. And boy howdy can this girl bake. Her creations looked mouth watering, sense of humor tickled my funny bone and I loved her new packaging.

I was hooked.

You see, back in the day I launched my own sweet shoppe and have a true envy (er, appreciation) for turning a dream into reality. With the encouragement of family and friends I took that leap of faith. I loved everything about it.. from creating my logo to the goods themselves. I hit the ground running and soon enough my sweets were selling in local boutiques, I launched my web site and had ads were running in the local paper:


I proudly partnered with Victory Junction Gang Camp and created race car chocolates that sold as a fund raiser. Their approval process was pretty intense and I was honored to get their thumbs up.

My dream of dreams was to open a shop.

Sadly, that didn't happen. My "real" job cut our hours and I had to take on 2 more to make ends meet (I was single at the time). All this and staying up until 1am filling orders got the best of me. In a matter of months I had to shut my virtual doors and it broke my heart.

Fast forward to the present.

I find this cute blog by a girl that is living my old dream and mosey over to her online store. Brilliant!! I've suddenly found my MIL's and Nantie's scrumptious Mother's Day gifts and it occurs to me later I've found my special giveaway treats to celebrate my Mommy readers and viewers of Adoption Angles.

Last weekend I searched through the site looking for gift certificates for the giveaway but didn't find them. So I wrote the company directly, explained my situation and asked for guidance. Can I simply send a short, business-like email? Of course not. I go in to this whole dissertation about wanting to give back to my blog/show friends with a sweet gift (pun intended) on a holiday that really hits home: Mother's Day. I miss my mom dearly and I feel the need to celebrate other Moms.. be it bio, stepmoms, caregivers .. you name it. Honestly I feel (as a foster mom) less significant. I wanted express to them what an honor it was for them to be "the chosen one" for such an important occasion. I may be a little fish in a big pond but these are gifts from my heart. In true me-style I blurb it all out and await a reply (time is a tickin' because I'm going to announce winners on my show on 5/5).

But I hear nothing.

Unfortunately, I am a natural born skimmer. I don't scour-read and take in all the info.. and sometimes it comes back to bite me in the bootie. Tuesday night I read through the site again and realize 1) I can just purchase the winners' chosen prizes as gifts (no certs needed) but worse: 2) I didn't realize the branches of her family tree and suddenly feel like an icky stalker. That evening I wrote again, apologizing for the previous email (the discovery of the gift option-which was a big DUH) and basically told them I felt like a buffoon (my exact words).

The following afternoon, the world gets wind of some big adoption news and I about slid under my desk. I'm looking like a complete stalker at this point. I had dropped a comment on her blog and realized it was never posted. I'm one of them.

Unbelievable.

I started to waffle on doing this particular giveaway. I thought maybe I should quietly slink away and leave well enough alone. I had already purchased the gifts for Gramsie and Nantie, let that be that and find another prize. However, after some reflection (and my own stubbornness getting the best of me.. Hello? I didn't do anything wrong) I have decided the giveaway will go on as planned.

SO that all being said, check back tomorrow for the low down on how you can win a most delectable treat. It's going to be a fun time and I'll announce the winners for the blog and show giveaway (there will be 4 total.. 2 from each) on Wednesday night's show!!!

If you made it this far, thanks for hanging in! I feel much better now..